We all know the British summer is a bit… unpredictable. One minute it’s BBQ weather, the next you’re driving through torrential rain. But whatever the weather brings, summer breakdowns are no joke, especially if your car’s been around the block one too many times.
Did you know the RAC attends over 7,000 breakdowns a day during peak summer months? That’s a whopping 20% increase compared to spring.
Older cars are often the first to struggle when the heat hits, from overheated engines to dead batteries and dodgy air con.
This guide is here to help you keep your motor running safely and smoothly this summer. Whether you’re taking the family on a staycation or just trying to make it to work without a meltdown (you or the car), these tips are for you.
Breakdowns spike in summer, especially for older vehicles. Give your car a chance with essential checks, or take our summer scrap quiz and get sorted before the heat hits.
Summer might seem easier than winter for vehicles, but that’s not the case for older motors. Heat impacts everything: batteries, tyres, cooling systems, and even fuel efficiency. And if you’re already dealing with rust, worn parts, or warning lights that won’t quit, the heat could tip things over the edge.
Many drivers assume summer means fewer breakdown risks, but that’s a myth. From festival weekends to holiday traffic jams, the AA reports that battery failures and engine overheating are among the top summer callouts.
Older vehicles need more TLC to survive hot weather. Here’s what you should sort before the sun decides to show up:
The UK isn’t exactly known for reliable weather. One minute we’re sweating in the car, the next we’re aquaplaning through puddles. It’s that unpredictability that makes summer car care so important.
Even if we only get one week of proper sun (if we’re lucky), heat can still cause 30% more tyre-related incidents on motorways due to pressure changes. Combine that with sudden rain and worn tyres or brakes, and things get risky fast, especially in cars already past their best.
Don’t gamble with your safety or someone else’s.
Staycations are on the rise, but old cars and long journeys don’t always mix. If you’re heading anywhere this summer, make sure:
📉 Over 18% of breakdowns in 2023 occurred within 30 miles of departure. Don’t get caught out before the holiday even starts.
Even with the best intentions, sometimes it’s just not worth patching up an old motor. Look out for:
If you’re feeling nervous every time you turn the key, it’s probably time to think about retiring the car before it retires you on the hard shoulder.
Not sure whether your car’s worth saving or scrapping? We’ve made it easy with our Ultimate Summer Scrap Car Guide, including a quick-fire quiz to help you decide.
👉 Take the quiz and see if your car’s summer-ready or scrap-worthy
It’s not an official quiz, just a bit of fun. Light-hearted, easy to follow, and might just save you time, money, and your sanity.
At Scrap Local, we’re not here just to tell you to scrap your car; we want to help you stay safe, whatever you drive. But if your vehicle is more hassle than a heatwave, we’re always here with:
Do you have questions about keeping your old motor running during a classic British summer? Here are our top FAQs to help you stay safe, cool, and stress-free.
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